SCOTTSDALE QUARTER • BILTMORE FASHION PARK • GILBERT HERITAGE SQUARE Z I N B U R G E R A Z.C O M E ATZ I N B U R G E R E ATZ I N B U R G E R Z I N B U R G E R Page 24 April 2016 By Michelle Donati-Grayman For the last several years, letting fear get the best of me has been too easy. Fear has served as a barrier to taking chances and chasing dreams. So recently, I decided to seek activities that would push my limits. An opportunity came about after I learned that The Phoenician Resort added trapeze lessons to its activities program through the end of April. All too soon, the big day arrived. The large trapeze net, located next to the resort’s tennis complex, was impossible to miss on that sunny Saturday afternoon. Efe Ilkay, I.FLY Trapeze instructor and trapeze artist, introduced the rest of the I. FLY crew: Marco, Paul and Max. The men were in their mid- to late 20s and resembled fitness models. As they mostly hailed from I.FLY’s New York school, they were not used to Arizona’s unseasonably warm spring temperatures. After putting on a lightweight safety harness that fit like a corset, class began with a quick, five-minute ground lesson that taught basic takeoff position. This was followed by a five-minute or so demonstration of trapeze timing and techniques, including how to get your legs on the bar and your hands off as well as a backf lip dismount onto the net below. It also presented the opportunity for participants to ask questions, such as, “What if I’m not able to hold myself on the bar?” Ilkay explained that the art of trapeze is about timing and momentum, not strength, so lifting yourself isn’t a requirement. “It’s not about upper body strength,” he said. “Do exactly what I say, when I say it, and you’ll be fine.” It was time to try our newly acquired aerial artistry skills. The remainder of the session consisted of round after round of jumping and flying. Each round started by climbing an industrial ladder to the trapeze platform. On the platform, an instructor hooked our harness into the safety line and put us in position for takeoff. “Listo...ready…hep!” called Ilkay from 20 feet below, countdown cues to jump from the platform. After leaving the platform, Ilkay yelled simple instructions that guided us through trapeze techniques and dismount until our feet were firmly back on the ground. I didn’t get my legs on the bar on my first try, but with a little coaching after the first jump, I was able to do it with ease. After practicing the basics, class concluded with the grand finale, which consisted of attempting a wrist-to-wrist catch with an instructor swinging simultaneously from the opposing trapeze. This time, the catcher provided the cues. Flying through the air with great ease and realizing I was successful on my first attempt gave me an adrenaline rush like I’ve never before experienced. Back on land, the instructors gathered around to offer congratulations and demonstrate their secret trapeze handshake. I was officially part of the club. For some, one experience may be enough, but not for me. I’m already planning my next high-flying lesson. It truly was love at first flight. Trapeze, please! This class delivers high-flying adventure I.FLY TRAPEZE Location: The Phoenician Cost: $70 per person, Ages 4 and older Duration: 60 to 90 minutes Phone: 480-599-2345 Website: iflytrapeze.com TRAPEZE LINGO Listo: Spanish for ready. Ready: Trapeze for bend your knees. Hep: Trapeze action word for go. The Phoenician will offer trapeze classes every Tuesday through Sunday until the end of April at the resort’s recreation center known as “The Park.” I.FLY TRAPEZE

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